Leaker Accountability Act of 2023 This bill establishes a new federal crime for the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information by officers or employees of the Supreme Court. Specifically, the bill prohibits an officer or employee of the Supreme Court from knowingly publishing, divulging, disclosing, or making known in any manner or to any extent not authorized by law any confidential information coming to that officer or employee in the course of the employment or official duties of that officer or employee. A violation is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both.
If enacted, this bill would create a federally mandated penalty framework for breaches of confidentiality within the Supreme Court. Violators could face up to five years of imprisonment, fines, or both, representing a significant shift in how leaks of sensitive information are viewed and treated by federal law. It aims to reinforce the integrity of Supreme Court deliberations by ensuring that confidential communications are protegida from unauthorized dissemination, thereby influencing judicial transparency and accountability.
House Bill 424, known as the Leaker Accountability Act of 2023, proposes significant amendments to Title 18 of the United States Code. The main focus of this bill is to establish penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information by employees and officers of the Supreme Court. This includes any information they acquire during their official duties, such as internal notes, communications among court officials regarding pending cases, draft opinions, or any document not publicly released before its time, creating stricter standards for information security within the court system.
While supporters argue that this legislation is crucial for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the Supreme Court's proceedings, opponents may view it as a potential tool for suppressing whistleblowing or exposing misconduct within the judiciary. The bill's broad definition of confidential information could lead to debates on what constitutes necessary transparency versus a legitimate need for secrecy in governmental functions. Consequently, this element may spark considerable discussion on civil liberties and the public's right to information.